Peter Birbeck

Why Blue?

After I emigrated to Manchester from Bradford, a workmate from Salford took me to Old Trafford for a midweek game in the early ’70s. It was Rags vs. Leicester City (Frank Worthington’s début for Leicester and they drew!). As we lived in Elmswood Avenue, off Parkside Road and City were playing Leicester soon after the Old Trafford visit, I went to see the Blues. That was it – FLH’s passion and aggression instantly captured my support and the rest of that team weren’t too bad either. After that conversion (I’d supported Bradford City as a kid – will we see them at Maine Road next season?), my wife and four year old daughter soon became (travelling) Blues supporters. It was comforting to go to Old Trafford and watch Law, playing for us, putting United into the second division (don’t forget that during these times).

After 25 years of hope and optimism, I’m now beginning to suspect the worst for City supporters such as we are: there may be a curse on us. After all, my nearest league club is now Carlisle United – remember them? (and their current Chairman!). My daughter’s nearest is Stevenage Borough, poor sods. Few other football clubs could provide the exquisite memories of a Blues fan: Corrigan’s mistake against Sunderland; Hutchinson’s FA Cup tragedy; selling Hinchcliffe to Everton; and now being identified with a third rate band. See you at Portman Road, Leeds Road, Bramall Lane, Oakwell, The Hawthorns, Vale Park, Prenton Park, Roots Hall (ugh), St. Andrews, Carrow Road, Blundell Park, Boundary Park, Elm Park, Loftus Road, Burnden Park (well where-ever), Molineaux, Fratton Park, County Ground, Manor Ground and Valley Parade? Filbert Street? Meadow Lane? or Gresty Road? Are these all on AutoRoute I wonder? Best wishes for a great 96/7 season.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #193 on